(All characters are 18+!!)
“Oh my gosh is that what I think it is..?” Morgan asked, squinting slightly at Jackson’s waistband.
In that moment, Jacky reached forward to grab a pop and hotdog being handed to him. Unbeknownst to him though, his t-shirt rose up a little higher, and previously what was just poking out of his jeans, was now pretty obviously visible. Too wrapped up in enjoying his hotdog, he didn't notice, and didn't bother to pull his shirt back down.
Poor little guy didn't even know his pampers was showing...
Now that there was no denying it, I didn't see any point in trying to hide the truth. It's not like Jackson cared about his diapers, and Morgan just seemed genuinely curious. Their kiddo Avery had been in Jacky's class last year too, and the two of them were attached at the hip at this BBQ. If the kids became closer friends, Morgan would find out about Jacky's situation anyway...
"Oh, yeah", I said casually "Jackson's still in diapers"
"Really?", they replied not unkindly, just seeming a little surprised, which I couldn't exactly blame them for. "But he's so big! Didn't he just turn 7 at his party last week?"
"Yeah, he's 7 now. But he still really doesn't have a grasp on how to control his bladder. When we did potty training when he was younger he managed to get control of his messes, but he almost never made it to the potty to pee."
"Wow, that's interesting", they remarked, "did you take him to the doctor's?"
"I did, yeah. They ran a few tests and there's nothing "wrong" with him, they just said that his body wasn't ready for it. They were the ones who suggested I just keep him in diapers, actually. He can make it to the potty and push his diaper down for #2s every time. But he just goes pee in his diaper."
Morgan nodded, seeming to consider what I'd just said and I continued, "before I took him to the doctor I tried all the other potty training steps. I even got him in big boy undies, cause I'd read that if he had accidents in his undies it might help him understand better when he needed to go. Nothing worked though, he would always just wet his pants, poor kid. Even when we were outside camping, or hiking in the woods, it wouldn't even occur to him to just pull it out and go on the ground like other boys his age were doing."
"And he doesn't mind still being in diapers?", Morgan asked.
"Not one bit", I answered. "I think it's just so normal to him, y'know? He's never really been out of diapers, so he doesn't know any different. After the doctor suggested diapers, and seeing how much his accidents upset him, I knew that this is what would be best for him. He's just so much happier this way."
"What does he do at school when he needs a change? Does he change his own diapers?"
"No, he doesn't. He doesn't even know when he needs a change most of the time. The classroom assistants check him at school, then take him to the nurses office when he's due for a change".
"Interesting!", they said again seeming to consider everything I'd just said. Looking over at Avery playing tag with some other kids from their class they said "thanks for answering all my questions there. I was just curious about your experience, 'cause Avery has started to have some -uh... challenges too and I'm a bit at my wits end about it".
"Yeah. They've been having a really hard time making it to the potty after school, especially in the evening. They've always needed some nighttime protection, but lately it's been more than that. We've looked everywhere online and can't find anything helpful, and their doctor said to just stay the course in big kid undies during the day and deal with the accidents..."
They sighed and continued "We just don't know what to do anymore... We've resulted to making them sit on their old training potty when they watch cartoons in the evening, but they just seem really uncomfortable and unhappy."
"Well, if you'd like my opinion..." I looked over at Morgan nodding "I don't regret keeping Jackson in diapers. He doesn't mind it, it keeps his pants dry, he's happy. It's way easier to bring some spare diapers and wipes than it is to bring spare pants for him... It just works for us. Our doctor actually mentioned that what Jacky and Avery are going through is way more common than people know."
"I really appreciate that", they said "I think I'll bring up putting them back in diapers after school with my husband. Maybe it's what's best for Avery right now."
"I hope it goes well! Please let me know if you need any advice at all, I'm happy to help." I looked over at my kiddo, who had finished eating his hotdog and flew off the deck to join Avery and their game of tag. The barely noticeable sag of his jeans told me he'd need a change soon, but he was clearly unbothered as he ran and played with the other kids. "I just wish more people knew what I've learned raising Jacky"
"What's that?" said Morgan.
"That some kids just need their diapers."